High-performance ZnIn2S4/Ni(dmgH)2 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: Ion exchange construction, photocorrosion mitigation, and efficiency enhancement by photochromic effect

Shangshu Liu; Feng Li; Taohai Li; Wei Cao

doi:10.1016/j.jcis.2023.03.123

High-performance ZnIn₂S₄/Ni(dmgH)₂ for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution: Ion exchange construction, photocorrosion mitigation, and efficiency enhancement by photochromic effect

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2023 Jul 15:642:100-111. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.03.123. Epub 2023 Mar 21.

Authors

Shangshu Liu¹, Feng Li², Taohai Li³, Wei Cao⁴

Affiliations

¹ College of Chemistry, Key Lab of Environment Friendly Chemistry and Application in Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China.
² College of Chemistry, Key Lab of Environment Friendly Chemistry and Application in Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China; Nano and Molecular Materials Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, FIN-90014, Finland. Electronic address: fengli_xtu@hotmail.com.
³ College of Chemistry, Key Lab of Environment Friendly Chemistry and Application in Ministry of Education, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China; Nano and Molecular Materials Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, FIN-90014, Finland. Electronic address: hnlth@xtu.edu.cn.
⁴ Nano and Molecular Materials Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 3000, FIN-90014, Finland. Electronic address: Wei.Cao@oulu.fi.

PMID: 37001449
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.03.123

Abstract

In this work, a novel photocatalyst of ZnIn₂S₄/Ni(dmgH)₂ was designed by a simple chemical precipitation method and used to enhance hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation. Along with vigorous discharges of hydrogen bubbles, an optimal rate of 36.3 mmol/g/h was reached under UV-Vis light for hydrogen evolution, nearly 4.9 times of the one from pure ZnIn₂S₄. The heterojunction exhibits steady hydrogen evolution capability and owns a high apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 20.45% under the monochromatic light at 420 nm. By coupling ZnIn₂S₄ with Ni(dmgH)₂, an extraordinary photochromic phenomenon was detected and attributed to the active Ni-S component in situ formed between the nickel and sulfur composites under light irradiation. The emerging sulfide benefits light absorption of the system and separation of photogenerated electron and hole pairs. Besides providing a promising photocatalyst for visible light hydrogen production, the present work is hoped to inspire new trends of catalytic medium designs and investigations.

Keywords: Active intermediate; Hydrogen evolution; Ni(II)-dimethylglyoxime; Photocatalytic; ZnIn(2)S(4).